Horse Racing Interests in New Jersey Threatened by Online Casino Bill

New Jersey’s horse racing industry is watching the developments in online gambling regulations with a cautious eye.
An article in Trenton’s Asbury Park Press reveals that state lawmakers are considering changes to the proposed legislation to “cut racetracks in on the action.”

The current proposal to enable online casinos in the Garden State would allow only the casinos in Atlantic City to offer Internet gambling to New Jersey residents. The horse racing lobby is out in force, even threatening legal action if the bill passes in its current form. The industry wants the ability for racetracks to partner with the casinos in joint marketing arrangements to reach the horse racing customers.

If online gambling comes to New Jersey, it appears that the state’s three thoroughbred tracks don’t want to be left in the stables. Of course, never mind that online casino gambling has nothing to do with racetracks. Maybe the saltwater taffy makers in Atlantic City should lobby to get a piece of the pie too.